To Infinity and Beyond

A Wrap Up of Our Biggest Annual Scientific Meeting to Date

Last month saw a record turnout for our 72nd Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) in Adelaide, with more than 1,400 delegates coming together for our first face-to-face ASM in three years. There was a real buzz around the Adelaide Convention Centre during the 3.5-day program, packed with rigorous scientific content and lots of opportunities to connect with each other in person.

The ASM kicked off with the Women in Medical Leadership Breakfast. More than 110 attendees heard from a panel of impressive female leaders, who presented their research on the lack of gender parity in the professions of clinical radiology and radiation oncology and shared their own inspiring leadership journeys. The thoughtprovoking discussion about barriers and opportunities for women in leadership gave us a lot to interrogate as we strive to improve gender diversity in the professions.

Ms Pamela Spoors and A/Prof Dinesh Varma

The program was then opened with a Welcome to Country from First Nations Kaurna People Elder, Cliffy Wilson. This was followed by an official welcome from President, Clin A/ Prof Sanjay Jeganathan and the ASM Organising Committee, together with Sarah Andrews MP representing the South Australian Minister for Health and Wellbeing, and Dr Richard Harris SOC OAM as the Nisbet Orator. Dr Harris shared his story as a doctor and expert cave diver in the Thai cave rescue operation that captured the world’s attention and imagination. A stirring way to begin the conference.

RANZCR2022 ASM Convenors

All-star keynote speakers from home and abroad gathered to present more than 250 presentations across 70-plus sessions and workshops, showcasing the latest in medical technology advancements, leading multi-disciplinary collaborations, and exciting milestones in cancer treatments.

Highlights of the clinical radiology program included the Space Radiology Session, a unique exploration of the critical role of clinical radiology, medical imaging and aerospace medicine in a multi-planetary future for humankind. The National Imaging Facility (NIF) Showcase delved into opportunities for NIF and the College to collaborate on cutting-edge research and innovate at a strategic level to deliver benefits to Australian health care. In a session on Advances in CT we heard an in-depth expert review of Australia’s first application of the latest revolutionary photon-counting CT scans in South Australia.

The radiation oncology program was equally impressive, with highlights including the Proton Therapy Session, in which keynote speakers addressed current controversies and further developments in proton therapy, model-based approaches for patient selection and proton therapy in headand-neck cancers. The Particle Therapy Session delivered exciting updates about national progress towards treating the first patients with proton beam therapy at the Australian Bragg Centre in Adelaide in 2025. Masterclasses and workshops in head and neck contouring and lung cancer were also highlights.

Alongside our keynote sessions, there were many opportunities for early career researchers to present their work, with the Varian Prize session for radiation oncology trainees and the Branch of Origin session for clinical radiology trainees. We also offered a series of non-clinical workshops for the first time, with sessions on health and wellbeing, financial management and medico-legal issues.

Dr Sally Ayesa

Another first for the 2022 ASM was the introduction of the Everlight Kids Club, a free children’s creche service that allowed delegates to engage in the scientific program while their little ones enjoyed their own program of exciting activities.

The conference program was complemented by a series of social events, in which delegates had the opportunity to relax and connect while sampling the best that the South Australian culinary scene has to offer. Highlights of the social program included the Clinical Radiology Quiz and Faculty of Radiation Oncology Dinner, the Trainee and Junior Consultants Reception, and of course the Gala Dinner, where the theme of “To Infinity and Beyond” inspired many a sparkly outfit, light sabres and a special rendition of “A Whole New World” performed by our 2022 ASM Convenors, as a love song to their hometown of Adelaide.

Special mention must be given to the more than 180 new Fellows (graduates from 2020–2022), who were welcomed into the College in front of a standingroom only audience of family, friends and colleagues at the Annual Ceremony. It was a much-anticipated, long-awaited joyful occasion.

The 2022 ASM was an energising and collegial event which reminded all of us of the importance of coming together to reflect, revive and reimagine. We hope that you left feeling inspired and reinvigorated. Don’t forget, you can claim up to 24.5 points for your ASM attendance via the College’s ePortfolio system.

The College would like to thank all who attended—both in person and online— particularly our speakers, exhibitors and sponsors, including our Presenting Partner, Intelerad, for their support of the meeting. And, of course, a special thanks to the 2022 ASM Organising Committee, whose dedication, commitment and personal warmth were key in making RANZCR2022 the stellar event we all hoped for.